Most people who have lithotripsy for kidney stones are free of stones within 3 months of treatment. Those with stones in the kidney and upper ureter have the most success with treatment. There may be fragments that are too large to pass after the procedure. They can be treated with lithotripsy again.

Possible Complications

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:

Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to one week before the procedure.

Anesthesia

Heavy sedation or
general anesthesia
is usually used. Heavy sedation will keep you calm. With general anesthesia, you will be asleep through the procedure.

Description of the Procedure

You will be placed on a soft cushion on top of a table. Shock waves can be passed to the stones through this cushion.

X-rays
or
ultrasound will be used
to locate the stone. Your body will be positioned to target the stone. Shock waves will be passed through the stones until they are crushed. They will be crushed into pieces as small as grains of sand.

How Long Will It Take?

45-60 minutes

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during the procedure. There may be some pain and discomfort afterward from the passage of broken stones. There may also be some bruising on the area treated. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medication.

Postoperative Care

You will be able to move almost immediately after the procedure. Drink plenty of water in the weeks after the procedure to help the stone pieces pass.

Call Your Doctor

After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Extreme urge or inability to urinate

Excessive blood in your urine

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Nausea and/or vomiting that you cannot control with the medications you've been given

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care
provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a
substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the
advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to
starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a
medical condition.